Coasts and beaches in Gower

A view towards Three Cliffs Bay from near Penmaen, with a wide sandy bay visible between headlands and the ocean in the distance on a sunny day — A view of Three Cliffs Bay from near Penmaen | © National Trust Images/Joe Cornish

The coasts and beaches in Gower are beautiful to visit no matter what the time of year. Visit Rhosili Bay for a day of swimming and sandcastle building, enjoy coastal walks around Penmaen Burrows and Nicholston, go birdwatching in Whiteford or discover wildlife and archaeology at Pwll Du. Learn more about what to see and do on a trip to Gower.

Coasts and beaches to visit in Gower

Rhosili: A 3-mile stretch of sand with wide views of the coastline. You can swim or even fly a kite here, and there’s plenty of wildlife and history to discover if you prefer to go hiking around the coastline. Walk up to Rhossili Down, the highest point in Gower. From here you can enjoy panoramic views reaching as far as West Wales, Lundy Island, and the north Devon coast.Plan your visit to Rhosili
Penmaen and Nicholaston Burrows: Penmaen Burrows and Nicholaston Burrows are nestled between Three Cliffs Bay and Oxwich Bay. A walk through the area will take you through heathland, woodland, sand dunes and clifftops, with fantastic views over the bay. The dunes at Nicholaston are rich in wildlife while Penmaen Burrows is packed with history. Look out for the remains of a Neolithic burial chamber, a Norman ringwork, and a medieval church.Plan your visit to Penmaen and Nicholaston Burrows

Pennard, Pwll Du and Bishopston Valley: Pwll Du Head is the highest headland in Gower and offers fantastic views of Pennard Cliffs and the coastline towards Mumbles. Rich in industrial heritage there are caves, ancient woodland, and rare species here. There are also numerous archaeological features and two important caves – Bacon Hole and Minchin Hole.Plan your visit to Pennard, Pwll Du and Bishopston Valley
Whiteford and North Gower: Cwm Ivy salt marsh forms part of the wider Whiteford National Nature Reserve on the coast of North Gower. It’s a haven for wildlife and the perfect spot for birdwatching. There are two bird hides, Cheriton hide, and Monterey hide, located either side of the marsh. Look out for egrets, which can be spotted daily along with their larger cousin the grey heron.Plan your visit to North Gower

A visitor sits with her back to the camera looking out at the view of the bay at Rhosili and South Gower Coast, Wales, down the cliff to a sandy beach with clear blue seas beyond and sunny blue skies in the distance. — Visitor enjoying the view of the bay at Rhosili and South Gower Coast | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Dog-friendly beaches in Gower

Well-behaved dogs are welcome at beaches in Gower, unless there is a nature conservation reason for a place to be dog-free. This might vary according to the time of year, so it’s best to check the website for the beach or coastline when you plan to visit with your dog.

Dogs and livestock

While visiting, please pay attention to any local signage relating to dog walking – for example whether your dog needs to be on a lead. Dogs should be kept on leads around livestock, but if cattle or other large animals try to chase your dog then it is safer to drop the lead until you are clear of the area.

Three people playing on the beach with a dog at Pennard, Gower, Wales. — People playing on the beach at Pennard, Gower | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Follow the countryside code

Help keep coasts and beaches in Gower safe and enjoyable by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.

Respect other people

Consider the local community and other people enjoying and working in the outdoors
Park carefully so access to gateways and driveways is clear
Leave gates and property as you find them
Follow marked paths and local signs
Be nice, say hi